The deal I received excluded taxes and title. It included the three options and destination charge. My wife has a hankering for gold packages and I decided to try the 3M protective sheets for the front end. The addition of those items raised the price an additional $725 to a total of 37,425 before taxes and title.

Dealer is Connolly Acura in Framingham, MA on Route 9. I've had my Legend service there for many years. Keep in mind, i was also negotiating with another dealership as well, Clair Acura in Walpole. On Saturday, I basically told each dealer to come closest to my number ($36,200 with NAv but without other options).

I just came back from a Acura dealer. He is selling a new 2000 RL w/o Nav for $35,745 and a demo with 6k miles on it for $34,245. Is this a good deal? I am really interested in the demo, but am not sure of the price. Dealer says, the warranty will still be 4yrs/50000 miles.

Few Comments after the test driving a 3.5RL:1. The interior is really cool. Great value for the price. Its really roomy and luxurious.2. The engine is a little loud. 3. Not too impressed with the sound system. Was playing FM radio though.4. I like the fact that all features are std. I really don't care for the Navigation system.

I just picked up a 1999 RL, black with Tan Interior, car had 39K miles on it, but looks and runs like new, I really like the car. I bought it from a used car dealer in San Diego, but took it to Acura to make sure there wasn't anything wrong with it that I could see. It checked out fine, so I bought it. Also had the Carfax ran to make sure it wasn't a salvage or anything. I was a little curious as to why it was so cheap, that's why I had to make sure Acura gave it the seal of approval before plunking down the money for it. I got it for $25,500. I added an extended warranty for another $1,100 for peace of mind, that covers another 40K miles on it. Does this sound like a pretty good deal? From what I've seen in papers that 99's are going for, it seemed like it at the time, even with a little high mileage?

I have been using Zaino products on my 1999 Black/Black RL/nav (15,000 miles) for about 6 months now and could not be happier! I always get complements about how sharp my car looks. There is a fair amount oflabor required upfront but the results pay dividends for a long time. Look into it Sharkwalk.

Picked up a new RL yesterday with 12 miles on it. Paid 33,200 (includes floor mats, mud guards, wheel locks and 2 year oil changes). Love the car and hope to keep it for a long time and enjoy the rides!

We visited an Acura dealer in Phoenix to look at a MDX. We ended up test-drive a RL 2000 and TL 2001 model as well. It looks like we could make a deal out of the RL for about 36K, but the dealer said we probably have to pay near MSRP on the TL, which is still around 28K or so.

I actually like the TL's sporty performance and price. My wife, on the other hand, likes the RL's bigger cabin. In my opinion, the TL cabin is more than sufficient and has a zippier 225-hp engine.

Since we are Acura novices, could you folks help convince me why I should pay another 8K (or 12K for a 2001) more for a RL? (besides my wife says so.. :-)

this does not answer your question, but I do find it amazing that Acura would first put a higher HP engine (225 HP) in the smaller TL, while the bigger, heavier (and more luxurious) RL languishes with a 210 HP engine. Logic (my logic, that is) says to first raise the HP on your flagship, say to 275-300, and then raise the HP in the smaller vehicles. Just my 2 cents.

The old big horspeower dilemma. I would recommend that you return to the dealership and test drive the RL and TL again. Focus on "peppiness" but eliminate distractions. The TL's transmission is not as smooth as the RL: jerkiness gives an impression of power. The TL is not as well insulated as the RL: a louder engine seems more powerful.

i would guess that the TL and RL get to 60 in the same time. Edmunds has the 2000 RL at 60 in 7.5 seconds. The pre-1999 RL was 9.0 seconds. The TL just seems quicker because it is rougher. The RL delivers more torque at lower RPMs than the TL which is more useful for acceleration. The RL has many sound dampening devices which make you feel as if the car is not working. however, it really does work.

Finally, if you want a sport shift, try shifting the RL as a manual. The owner's manual says that you can and I have done it many times since my recent purchase. You will get to 60 even faster.

Thus, if you want the same level of acceleration and performance in a refined package, buy the RL. Otherwise, save the money and buy a TL.

Also, I believe the RL has at least two more coats of paint on it than the TL.

We ahve owned the RL for about a week and half today. The experience has been very rewarding. My wife is falling in love with the car (she drives a Lecus RX300). I was able to transport 3 people and myself to Concord, NH in comfort, something impossible in my Legend coupe.

The car is quicker than many realize. Since it is so quiet, you do not get the sense that the engine moves you. In general, it is decently quick and if you stomp on the accelerator, you push the RPMs to 4000 in every gear.

i have been trying to shift like a manual. My perception is that the car becomes a tad quicker as you push through the gears at top torque for a longer period. You have to be careful since you get engine noise, but it is not as noisy as you would expect. The result is the potential to redline the engine. The performance is very good for a sedan, but I will not give up the coupe.

My wife used the car one night and got lost. The Nav system brought her straight to the highway. She claims it is worth every penny.

Overall, I am very pleased that me, honda guy, stuck with the flagship car. My fifth Honda is making me smile when I look at it and when I drive it. One person who rode with me to NH scolded me for driving the car like the Legend when it is a luxury sedan. It is a tribute to the changes which Acura made to the performance that I can drive the car Like the Legend.

Lastly, on the RL vs TL decision, My previous post reflects where I came out in the decision to buy an RL. My wife and I like the Mercedes styling of the RL. The front end of the TL is not as impressive since it is a copy of the Nissan nose. I'd rather copy Mercedes. Also, chekc Edmunds ratings on the 2000 TL. 0 to 60 in 7.7 seconds. The RL proves that greater torque at lower RPMS is more important than higher total horsepower at higher RPMs.

Picked up a 2000 3.5 RL for $32,700. I wanted the silver one and had to paid $32,700, or otherwise, the dealership was selling gold ones for $30,500!! WOW!!. non-navis of course... price included floor mats, wheel locks, extra 6-cd case, mud guards, ski bag, first two oil changes, 2 full tanks of gas (1 when you come for oil change).

Like some of you, I was sure the rl was 'much' larger inside than the tl. But after I compared the numbers (headroom, legroom, etc.) and noticed how very similar they are, I went back to the dealer and asked one of the salesmen who always seems to me to actually know what he's talking about.

He said the difference is primarily an illusion. The rl windshield is more vertical, taking the A pillar further out in front of you and making it seem more spacious, the same with many of the other dimensions. The tl, otoh, is more 'sleek' (slanted), you sit lower, etc and it seems more compact as a result.

Another visual oddity that makes sense if you think of it is that the same car will seem larger if you change the interior from a darker color (black) to lighter (parchment).

I bought mine @ Stevens Creek Acura in N. California. They have 1 black with parchment and a couple of gold ones left. I think they have 1 firepepper red and one green one available also. The $30,500 figure I threw out turned out to be a misprint in the Friday San Jose Mercury Ad. Nevertheless, I got my Silver one for $32.7K including mats, mudguards, wheel locks, full tank of gas, free oil change

WOW, you did your homework! I think many of usfellow Acura owners feel the same as you do. AndI am willing to bet all of us fellow Acura ownerswill tell you that the RL is worth every pennyand will remain trouble free. With the prices being quoted on the thread anyone considering a FWD sedan, or a sedan wouldbe crazy not to take a serious look at this car!Oh yeah, those HIDS are awesome aren't they. Wait til you get behind the wheel of another carwithout them! It will drive you "nuts"

Several postings ago I saw someone mentioned that he did not like the "swing/throw" motion when his 3.5RL '00 was connering or curving. I too have the same experience! Before I switched to this new 3.5RL '00 I was driving the '90 Legend and it is a lot more stable while curving/cornering. Is this because the suspension on RL is a lot softer than Legend? Is the suspension on RL adjustable? Will changing tires/shocks fix this problem? How do you RL owners feel about this safety problem?Thanks!

I have to confess I've been a car enthusiast for a long time (currently have a 3 ser. BMW). We recently got an Acura MDX and am so impressed that I'm thinking RL. Would someone comment on whether 2000 RLs w/Nav would still be available and what price should be paid? Should I wait instead for 2001 (any changes you know about)? I live in the SF Bay Area.

I am looking at either buying or leasing anew 2000 Acura 3.5 RL with Navi and I have several questions.

First, given that it is a 2000 model, is theregreater merit from a financial stand-point to alease vs buy? Second, I can buy the car with zerodown at an APR of between 7.5 to 7.75% over 5years. If I decide to lease the car instead, shouldI be looking at money factor that equates to theAPR that I would pay if I were buying the car? Inother words as a smart shopper should the moneyfactor on the lease equate to say 7.75 divided by24? If not, what would be the likely money factorthat I should pay on such a lease?

I am aware of the pros and cons of leasing vsbuying.

I have excellent credit and the cost of the carthat I have negotiated is about $35000.

What is best for you really depends on a lot of factors. There are worksheets at the Motley Fool site to help you with this.

The Money Factor is the Interest Rate / 2400. If you have good credit, it should be around 0.003 (7.2%)or so. If the maker subsidizes the lease, it can go to .002 or even lower. Be careful about this, a high money factor is a way for the dealer to stick it to you even after you settle on a good price for the car.

DO NOT pay the "Acquisition" or "Disposition" fees. These are totally arbitrary fees that are cooked up by the dealers and banks to gouge you. I have leased several times, and these fees dissappear quickly as you head for the door. My Lexus dealer even OFFERED to drop them as an inducement to buy. The same for "Doc Fees" and even "Messenger Fees". The dealers make profit on the sales to cover these expenses, yes?

Be very careful of what is included in the "NET CAP COST" - the final price you agree to pay. This is what is financed, and you pay interest on ALL of this. This should be ONLY the car, and NO fees or other charges of any kind rolled in, or you will pay triple for them at the end of the lease. I prefer to lease with $0 down, $0 out of pocket out the door except for the DMV fees. It is better to pay a higher car payment at 8%, and use the "down payment" (CAP reduction) money to pay off 18% credit cards, yes?

One more item - I keep my cars immaculate, and sell them privately a few months before the end of the lease. Because of their prime condition, I usually MAKE money at the end, enough for the down payment or some custom wheels on the next one - as much as $2500. Take great care of your car and use Zaino to protect the inside and out and you can do this too.

Acura is presently providing a $3,000 cash incentive for RLs. In the Northeast, dealers have plenty of stock. My target price was $36,200 for an RL w/NAV. I got one for $36,700 with mats, wheel lockx, mud guards and delivery included. This was two to three weeks ago.

Good luck. The RL will have more room and very subtle handling characteristics.